Garmin has released a new beta software update for several of its high-end smartwatches, including the Fenix 8, Fenix E, Enduro 3 and Tactix 8, as the company continues testing fixes ahead of a broader stable release.
The beta update, version 21.18, follows last week’s 21.17 release, which resolved multiple issues such as a bug affecting GPS navigation. The latest version focuses on two additional problems reported by users during the 21.xx testing cycle.
See also: Garmin Deploys Update to Resolve Golf and Audio Issues on Approach Watches
One fix targets performance issues in the Garmin Messenger app, where long message threads could cause noticeable lag. The update also resolves a fault in the heart rate variability (HRV) feature that could cause the HRV chart to crash when users interacted with it.
Garmin said the beta update is being distributed gradually. “This update has been pushed over the air (OTA) to around 50% of eligible users,” the company said in a post on its official forum.
See also: Garmin Introduces Smaller Golf Smartwatch as it Targets Younger Users
As with previous beta releases, certain features remain unavailable during testing. ECG, Dive and Aviation functions are disabled while the beta software is installed. Garmin has not provided a timeline for when a stable version of the 21.xx software will be released to all users of the affected devices.
The forthcoming stable update is expected to introduce a new navigation option that allows users to turn off guidance prompts until a direction change is imminent, according to earlier release notes.